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Save 25 percent on all Lazy-Hands gear grips

From the Cheapskate: an exclusive discount on this surprisingly cool, seriously practical mobile accessory. Great for you, great as a gift. Plus: a sweet smartwatch deal!

Rick Broida Senior Editor
Rick Broida is the author of numerous books and thousands of reviews, features and blog posts. He writes CNET's popular Cheapskate blog and co-hosts Protocol 1: A Travelers Podcast (about the TV show Travelers). He lives in Michigan, where he previously owned two escape rooms (chronicled in the ebook "I Was a Middle-Aged Zombie").
Rick Broida
2 min read

CNET's Cheapskate scours the Web for great deals on PCs, phones, gadgets and much more. Questions about the Cheapskate blog? Find the answers on our FAQ page.


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Look, ma, no thumbs!

Lazy-Hands

Before you laugh, before you scoff, hear me out.

The Lazy-Hands is a finger-loop gripper thingie you stick to the back of your phone, tablet, or e-reader. It looks a little goofy, but, honestly, it's my new favorite accessory. More on that in a minute.

Right now, you can get 25 percent off one or more Lazy-Hands gear grips when you use the the coupon code LAZYCHEAPSKATE (hey!) at checkout. Shipping adds about $4, unless you spend at least $30, in which case it's free.

Yeah, so, "Lazy-Hands"? Not wild about the name. And some of the color options -- camouflage, flags, etc. -- aren't exactly my cup of tea. This is the kind of thing I'd see at a booth at CES, make fun of, and walk right by.

Big mistake. I recently tried one with my Kindle Paperwhite, and I'm not exaggerating when I say I'm never taking it off. Ever. When you slide your fingers into those loops, it instantly makes your device much easier to hold.

That's true for phones and tablets as well. Indeed, I recently mentioned my fondness for the Ninja Loop, a little ribbon-like strap that allows for easier (and safer) one-handed phone gripping. This is better, in part because it's more comfortable and in part because you can reposition the loop (which is attached with Velcro) to prop up your device on a desk or table. In other words, it adds a stand of sorts.

This finger-powered grip not only eases the strain on your thumb (and that fleshy part of your hand), but also makes for much easier selfies.

Yes, you'll need to leave an ugly square (or rectangle) of Velcro on the backside of your device. But if you're willing to live with that, I think you'll find this a truly excellent accessory. One that's made in the USA, by the way. Just saying.

Your thoughts?

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Meh.com

Bonus deal: The Meta M1 smartwatch earned mixed reviews when it debuted about a year ago, largely because its main competitor, the Pebble, cost $100 less. Cheap things come to those who wait. Today only, and while supplies last, Meh has the Meta M1 for $48, plus $5 for shipping.

Compatible with Android and iOS, it's available in four colors, including stainless steel with a matching wristband. (Get. That. One.) CNET's review will tell you everything you need to know. At $250, this was a hard sell. At $50? Heck, yeah!